Papandrew, shot in the side of his abdomen, managed to detain one of the suspects until police arrived. The other two were arrested later.

None of three — Edward Hamilton, 24, and Gloria Cortes, 20, both of Brooklyn; and Bryan Kenner, 28, of South Ozone Park, Queens — was shot. However, Cortes had a cut on her shoulder, apparently from a deflected bullet.

Police said the attempted robbery began at about 7 p.m. Wednesday with Kenner and Cortes acting like a couple looking to buy an engagement ring.